Arimidex and Pregnancy

Studies on Arimidex and pregnancy demonstrated that the drug increased the risk of miscarriages when given to pregnant animals. As a result, the FDA has classified it as a Pregnancy Category D medication. However, a pregnant woman may still take it if it is in her best interest to do so. If you are taking Arimidex and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks before making a recommendation.

 

Arimidex and Pregnancy: An Overview

Arimidex® (anastrozole) is generally not considered safe for women who are pregnant. In animal studies that looked at the effects of Arimidex during pregnancy, the drug caused miscarriages.
 

Arimidex and Pregnancy Category D

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in studies. Pregnancy Category D is a stronger warning than a pregnancy Category C classification. A pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 
Arimidex was given a pregnancy Category D rating because of problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant mice and rabbits, the drug increased the risk of miscarriages.
 
The manufacturer of Arimidex recommends that healthcare providers make sure their patients are not pregnant before starting treatment. However, there may be situations in which you and your healthcare provider decide that it is in your best interest to take Arimidex during pregnancy.
 

Arimidex and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Arimidex, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of using the medication during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;